Craig briefs: EPA story set to run in Saturday Morning Press

The Craig Daily Press will have a large feature on the Environmental Protection Agency’s listening sessions on the cover of this week’s Saturday Morning Press. On Wednesday, nearly 20 Yampa Valley residents went to Denver to testify and rally in support of traditional energy and coal-fired power plants. The story will run in the Saturday paper, as that newspaper reaches a larger number of people in Moffat County. Call Managing Editor Noelle Leavitt Riley at 970-875-1790 with questions.

National Public Lands Day celebration starts

A group of government agencies will celebrate National Public Lands Day at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. The celebration is sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, The Wilderness Society and Friends of Northwest Colorado.

The event will take place from Friday through Sunday. There will be a campfire Friday, and Saturday will have tree planting and cleaning and repairing roads There will be free barbecue and prize drawings for participants, and camping areas will be made available. Those attending also have the opportunity to participate in a half-day river float Sunday. Hiking and driving tours also will be available. Registration is required. For more information, visit www.concervationco.org/npld or contact Sasha Nelson at sasha@conservationco.org or 970-824-5241.

CDOT cracks down on impaired drivers

October saw the highest number of alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities over any other month in 2012, according to a press release from the Colorado Department of Transportation. There were 24 alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities, with six occurring during the days surrounding Halloween. To combat this, the Colorado Department of Transportation will partner with the Colorado State Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state to crack down on impaired drivers through Monday. Last year, 570 drivers were arrested for DUI during the same enforcement period.

Impaired drivers who are arrested for DUI could face jail time and stiff fines totaling more than $10,270. Even first-time offenders can lose their driver’s license and have an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for as long as two years.

The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year with 12 specific DUI enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. More details about the campaign, including DUI enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips, can be found at www.heatisoncolorado.com.

Motorists cautioned about I-70 sun glare

The Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers who travel Interstate 70 about the sun glare problem that affects drivers at this time of year on Floyd Hill.

Beginning in early November and continuing through early February, morning drivers can encounter blinding sun glare as they head eastbound up Floyd Hill (mile markers 244 to 247 east of Idaho Springs). The glare occurs from about 7 until 8:30 a.m. However, it is especially severe from 7:30 to 8 a.m. The problem is created by the sun’s angle during mid- to late fall and early winter.

■ Letting off the accelerator and slowing down gradually instead of slamming on the brakes if blinded by the sun.

CDOT also is reminding motorists of Colorado’s Move-It Law, a joint effort between CDOT and law enforcement agencies that encourages motorists to follow a state law requiring drivers involved in minor crashes on interstates to move their vehicle immediately out of traffic to a safe location. The insurance industry also encourages compliance with the Move-It Law, reassuring drivers that there still will be a full investigation of the crash to determine fault.

Road conditions can change quickly this time of year. Drivers can receive updated road and weather information by calling 511 or by visiting www.cotrip.org.